Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The Potential and Limitations of Domestic Homicide Review: A Response to Hope et al. (2021)

Rowlands, James

Authors



Abstract

This article responds to an article by Hope et al. (2021), in which they reported on an analysis of 22 Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) conducted in England and Wales into the domestic-abuse related deaths of men. While the analysis of DHRs individually and in aggregate is an important part of the process of learning from these tragedies, in this response I set out my concerns relating to both the use of DHRs by Hope et al. and also their findings. I highlight the absence of engagement with the literature around DHRs and/or the wider international family of Domestic Violence Fatality Review (DVFRs), as well as the decision to situate the study design and analysis of these deaths without reference to, or consideration of, the broader context of domestic homicide as a phenomenon. I also argue there is a lacuna in the findings, specifically as to the evidence of (alleged) domestic abuse by many of the men whose deaths were examined by these DHRs, the implications of which are overlooked. I conclude by emphasizing the potential learning from research into DHRs, in this case relating to the domestic abuse-related deaths of men, but also the need to recognize complexity in this endeavor.

Citation

Rowlands, J. (2022). The Potential and Limitations of Domestic Homicide Review: A Response to Hope et al. (2021). Partner Abuse: New Directions in Research, Intervention, and Policy, 13(3), 316-325. https://doi.org/10.1891/pa-2021-0054

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 5, 2022
Online Publication Date May 16, 2022
Publication Date Jul 1, 2022
Deposit Date Sep 3, 2024
Journal Partner Abuse
Print ISSN 1946-6560
Electronic ISSN 1946-6579
Publisher Springer Publishing Company
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 3
Pages 316-325
DOI https://doi.org/10.1891/pa-2021-0054
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2783133